Moratti: I admire Balotelli's maturity

The 67-year-old has no regrets over his decision not to re-sign the forward in January, but has been impressed with his performances since returning to Italy

Inter president Massimo Moratti says he admires the way Mario Balotelli has matured since leaving the Nerazzurri in the summer of 2010.

Sporting director Pier Ausilio claimed in January that the Nerazzurri had first refusal if Manchester City were to sell Balotelli, but the 2010 Champions League winners did not take up their option as the 22-year-old joined arch-rivals AC Milan instead.

"I have no regrets over Balotelli. We knew that we wouldn't re-sign him, unfortunately because of what happened in the past," Moratti was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"If anything, I admire Balotelli for the fact that he's becoming more and more professional, and that's a very good thing.

"That was the only problem he perhaps had and which he doesn't seem to have anymore."

Moratti then went on to discuss Saturday's Serie A encounter against Juventus and stressed that Inter cannot afford to drop points at this stage of the season.

"It's important to get points whether it's against Juve or any other side. Now we're up against the best team in the league, but you can't change your target. We hope this match against Juve can help us get back on track."